Lao Cai authorities seize 114 canisters of illegal laughing gas

Border guard forces in Lao Cai, Vietnam, have dismantled a large-scale illegal operation involving the storage, transport, and distribution of nitrous oxide (N2O), commonly known as laughing gas.

On August 18, authorities raided a rented room in the Coc Leu area of Lao Cai city. During the raid, officials caught N.V.T. (born 1993) transporting gas canisters. A subsequent search of the premises uncovered 27 sacks containing 106 additional canisters, bringing the total seizure to 114 Purity Whip brand N2O canisters.

Investigations revealed that T.N.T. (born 1993) organized the scheme, purchasing the canisters from individuals in Quang Ninh for approximately 50 million VND in early August. The canisters were stored in the rented room to avoid detection and were intended for distribution to bars and karaoke establishments in Lao Cai. N.V.T. admitted to working as a transporter for T.N.T. for a monthly wage of 7 to 9 million VND. The case is currently under further investigation.